Nothing Has Changed...

...yet everything is different!

It's been a while since my last post. But I'm back!

I've been busy working, travelling and moving home. I have also met and fallen in love with a wonderful girl who loves travelling AND music!

We have visited Ireland twice and Madeira Island once in the past five months! And there are plans for more trips before the year is over.

We have just returned from Madeira, on a week-long trip to celebrate my birthday but also to introduce Miss P to this most exquisite and romantic island. It was also a journey back in time for me; an emotional home coming.

 After two and a half years away from paradise I am happy to report the island looks lovelier than ever.

The city of Funchal is most welcoming to all who visit. It is well organised and business is booming.

So pristine and sweet I'd call it 'civic eye-candy'

While visiting the town of Machico I saw my old boat, the Bonança, looking grand and not a day older than when I sold her.

The Casino Park Hotel offered unrivalled friendly service and even remembered my birthday. A bottle of bubbly and some fancy towel display on our bed made my day that little bit more special.

We visited Moynihan's Irish Pub - my home gig for many years - to hear DD (my talented nephew) play. He invited me on stage to sing a couple and it was just like the old days.

I joined a Warm-Up jam session Monday night and had a fab time.

Music...

music...

...and more music...

...eating and drinking...

...drinking and socialising...

...interspersed with  the occasional road trip and sight-seeing...

...Machico - one of a dozen or so pretty towns scattered around Madeira's coastline...

...made this visit with Miss P an absolute pleasure.

On Madeira's highest peak, Pico Do Arieiro, with love, reminded me again why I feel on top of the world.

What a difference a couple of years make!

:)